La Fortuna, Costa Rica: vitamin D, best months and travel guide
Base for the Arenal volcano and hot springs. Best for: families, adventurers.
La Fortuna gives little vitamin D from the sun in any month for skin type III at age 30. Rainy or stormy all year.
La Fortuna month by month
| Month | Rating | Sun window | Peak UV | Full dose, age 30 | Afternoon high | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Bad weather | 6.6 h | 6.4 | 8 min | 27°C | 26/30 |
| February | Bad weather | 6.0 h | 6.6 | 8 min | 27°C | 28/30 |
| March | Bad weather | 7.6 h | 8.1 | 7 min | 30°C | 19/30 |
| April | Bad weather | 7.7 h | 8.0 | 7 min | 30°C | 18/30 |
| May | Bad weather | 7.7 h | 8.4 | 6 min | 30°C | 23/30 |
| June | Bad weather | 7.0 h | 8.0 | 7 min | 28°C | 30/30 |
| July | Bad weather | 6.7 h | 7.3 | 7 min | 27°C | 30/30 |
| August | Bad weather | 7.7 h | 8.2 | 7 min | 28°C | 29/30 |
| September | Bad weather | 6.9 h | 7.7 | 7 min | 28°C | 29/30 |
| October | Bad weather | 6.9 h | 7.4 | 7 min | 27°C | 29/30 |
| November | Bad weather | 5.5 h | 6.2 | 9 min | 27°C | 29/30 |
| December | Bad weather | 5.5 h | 5.6 | 10 min | 26°C | 30/30 |
Sun window is the number of hours a day with UV Index 2.5 or higher. Full dose is the minutes at midday for about 1,000 IU of vitamin D with a quarter of the body bare, for skin type III. Rainy days are days with at least 1 mm out of 30.
What to expect in La Fortuna
Base for the Arenal volcano and hot springs. A dry season from December to April, a green season from May to November with afternoon rain, and humid heat on the coasts. Roads can be slow, and it is not a budget destination.
In La Fortuna afternoon highs average from 26°C in December to 30°C in May. The wettest month is June (about 30 rainy days out of 30) and the driest is April (18). Midday UV peaks at 8.4 in May, which is very strong, so protect your skin.
This place is inland, so it does not count towards the country rating.
More about Costa Rica · Costa Rica in March · Best places in March
Questions about La Fortuna
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna for vitamin D?
La Fortuna gives little vitamin D from the sun in any month for skin type III at age 30.
What is the weather like in La Fortuna?
Afternoon highs average from 26°C in December to 30°C in May. The wettest month is June, with about 30 rainy days out of 30.
Which months should I avoid in La Fortuna?
For a beach stay, avoid the months when it is rainy or stormy all year.